QUESTION:  Does the aluminum wiring in my house pose a fire hazard?

 

ANSWER:  If your house has aluminum wiring, it could pose a fire hazard, but the wiring itself isn’t the problem. Aluminum safely conducts electricity, but the connections can be a problem. The wires must be connected individually so they are not prone to corrosion. The only safe way to connect copper and aluminum is through a splice connector. An electrician can splice the connections by adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire.

By doing this, copper wire rather than aluminum will be connected to each switch, outlet or other device.

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QUESTION:  What is the easiest way to hang a drying rack in a laundry room?

 

ANSWER:  There are many different designs of drying rack, but if you plan to "hang" one, it sounds like you're opting for a wall- or ceiling-mounted version. Much of your decision should be based on your room layout, i.e. if you're short on wall space, maybe a ceiling-mount model is the best solution. Some of these racks hang from wires and feature closet rods or clothespins. Some wire-mount hanging racks are held by pulleys and can be pulled up neatly out of the way. Also available are retractable clothes lines, fold-down wall racks, and "collapsible" racks that extend from the wall accordion-style. Make sure your ceiling or wall is capable of supporting the weight of a clothes rack full of wet laundry. For the most holding power, mount the rack into solid wall or ceiling framing.